When you think of promotion, what kinds of things come to mind?
Maybe it’s a time when you were given the opportunity to take the next step in your career. Perhaps you are a parent of a high school senior, and are fondly looking forward to their commencement coming up in the next month. Either way, as a follower of Christ, promotion is well beyond the confines of our everyday lives; it is promised for every believer.
A Different Kind of Promotion
As we step into God’s will for our lives, we naturally discover where our gifts and talents fit best. We find them in our workplaces, at school, in our homes, and as we interact with the world around us. While these things hold immense weight, there is another kind of promotion that far outweighs what we can see.
Spiritual promotion is given to each and every soul who confesses that Jesus is their Lord and Savior. It is when you are promoted from the ways of the flesh to those of the spirit—His Spirit. You see, this new journey you are on affects not only your discipleship life, but also how you impact the kingdom of heaven as you live out your faith.
Together, let’s look at how God prepares us for promotion in His kingdom.
3 Ways God Prepares You For Kingdom Promotion
Throughout our lives, we will all encounter hardships of many kinds. Be encouraged, saints; there is purpose in your trials.
Romans 8:38, in the NKJV, says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
I realize that sometimes it is painful. However, you have the choice: will you focus on the discomfort or the big kingdom picture? Whatever God permits to come into your life will be used for His promotion. Here are three ways God prepares you in those seasons.
1 | He Invites You to Rest (Psalm 23:1-3)
“The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3, NKJV
The beautiful symbolism of this passage points us straight to rest.
“Green Pastures (vs. 2)
When a shepherd wanted to feed his flock, he led them to green pastures. Its lush grasses offer nourishment and a soft place to rest. When God, our Shepherd, leads us to fertile ground, He, too, is inviting us to a season of slowing down before the action of our purpose
Still Water (vs. 3)
Throughout the Bible, we see many facets of water, and each holds a different purpose. Jesus refers to Himself as the Living Water. In Genesis, the rushing waters of a flood represent judgment. But many places within God’s word refer to still water, which symbolizes a place to be in His presence so we can be strengthened and renewed.
Path of Righteousness (vs. 3)
What an honor it is to lead a body of believers. I don’t take that responsibility lightly, and I am grateful God called me to do so. However, there is something so calming about letting someone else steer the ship. God does that for us when He leads us to paths of righteousness. When we trust in Him, He will lead us to the right places.
2 | He Sits With Us In the Valley (Psalms 23:4)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalms 23:4, NKJV
People don’t like pressure. It’s uncomfortable and often reveals things about ourselves that we are not ready to acknowledge. But pressure produces beautiful things. This passage reminds us that whatever we are going through, God has not forsaken us, and He never will either! God is with us, and He is taking us through whatever trial is before us.
The Valley
The interesting thing about a valley is that it is between two mountains. Regardless of what you’re going through, remember God’s faithfulness on the mountaintops of your past. For there are more victories ahead, and God will guide you through each step. We can fear no evil because He is always, always with us—even in our darkest valleys.
3 | He Promises Promotion (Psalms 23:5-6)
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Psalms 23:5-6, NKJV
It’s easy to slip into negative thinking when we are walking through hard seasons. We can feel blindsided and alone. The good news is that God never forsakes us, and He is preparing a table for us in the presence of those who want to harm us.
You very well could be surrounded by people who don’t like you; it’s okay! God wants them in the vicinity so they can witness the greatness of His power and majesty.
The Anointing (vs. 5)
The word anointing has many meanings. Historically, it is the sacred act of rubbing or pouring oil on a person who is set apart for God’s holy work. We see this most often with priests and kings when they are promoted.
Many times when a shepherd is leading his flock, the sheep get caught in thorns and thistles. As you can imagine, this produces cuts and scrapes and can be quite painful. The shepherd would take oil and apply it to the wounds of the sheep, soothing their pain.
Our Good Shepherd does the same for us. He sees our tears, and He knows the pain we are walking through. God promises that He will anoint our heads with oil so that we can be set apart for the promotion He has planned for our lives.
Goodness and Mercy (vs 6)
Even when people walk away, lies are spoken about you, and resources dwindle to nothing, God declares that goodness and mercy will follow you every day of your life. It may not look how you think it should, but good things come to those who intimately know Jesus.
Church, I pray that as you endure trials of many kinds, you would rest in God’s presence so He can prepare you for your next promotion. It may not be easy, but with Jesus, it will be worth it.
For more on how God prepares us for His divine promotion, check out Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.’s sermon, The Process For Promotion.
